There is now only a few days to go until Wii U launches across UK on 30th November. This latest home console from Nintendo is in full HD and due to the innovative Wii U GamePad controller, offers more choice and variety of gameplay than ever before. The Wii U GamePad offers an integrated second screen and can also be used independently of the TV set with certain software; it also features full motion controls, an inbuilt camera, microphone and stylus for more detailed touch screen controls.

At launch this Friday you will be able to choose from the strongest line-up of launch software in Nintendo history featuring 24 titles including family favourites such as New Super Mario Bros. U and Nintendo Land as well as third-party exclusives such as the highly anticipated ZombiU from Ubisoft.

New Super Mario Bros. U is a brand new 2D platform game that introduces a giant world map full of distinctive Mario courses. The Wii U GamePad can be used to play solo when the TV is in use but can also be used to assist other players when playing co-operatively. In Nintendo Land each of the 12 attractions in the theme park are based on famous Nintendo franchises. Each attraction is a standalone game with multiple levels and gameplay modes that fully showcase the new gameplay possibilities of Wii U in various ways. Attractions such as Mario Chase and Luigi's Ghost Mansion create a new dynamic in multiplayer gaming by assigning different roles to players using the GamePad and those using a Wii Remote controller.

Wii U will be available in three different hardware packs at launch. The Wii U Basic Pack features a Wii U console with 8GB internal storage(i) and a Wii U GamePad, both in white. The Wii U Premium Pack contains a black Wii U console and Wii U GamePad, and with 32GB of internal storage(i) provides more space for downloadable digital content. The Premium Pack also contains a stand for the Wii U GamePad and console, a charging cradle for the Wii U GamePad, a sensor bar and the Nintendo Land software. A further limited edition ZombiU Premium Pack is available that features ZombiU and a black Wii U Pro Controller instead of Nintendo Land. Both types of Premium Pack also offer the Nintendo Network Premium reward program. All three packs also feature an HDMI cable and AC adapters for the console and Wii U GamePad.

In addition to introducing new ways to play, Wii U also offers a variety of online and non-gaming entertainment features to enhance the overall experience by connecting the console to the Internet. At launch a System Update(ii) will be available that allows Wii U owners access to innovative applications such as Miiverse, Nintendo eShop, Wii U Chat and a dedicated Internet Browser.

Miiverse is a brand new network communication system that lets you share experiences, discuss games and discover new game content with other players from around the world. Nintendo eShop is the digital storefront for Wii U which will offer a variety of content including exclusive games, game demos, trailers as well as select digitally distributed games that are also available at retail stores(i). Wii U Chat uses the built-in capabilities of the Wii U GamePad to allow a unique form of real-time video chat with friends via the TV screen, while the Internet Browser makes it easy to surf the Internet from the comfort of your sofa by using the GamePad for browsing and having the ability to display Internet content for the whole family to enjoy on the TV screen. Parents will be able to use Parental Controls to determine exactly which online and offline content their children will have access to on Wii U.

After performing the Wii U System Update, existing Wii owners will also be able to perform a System Transfer(iii), allowing them to transfer, among others, WiiWare and Virtual Console games from their Wii to their new Wii U console. Those who already own a Wii will be pleased to hear that nearly all Wii peripherals will be compatible with the Wii U console - with neither hardware pack including a Wii Remote controller, Wii owners won't need to repurchase peripherals they already own. For players who don't already own a Wii console, Nintendo has created a Wii Remote Plus Additional Set containing a Wii Remote Plus controller, Nunchuk and sensor bar.

Whether playing alone or with friends, Nintendo will deliver brand new entertainment experiences to your living room when Wii U launches across Europe on 30th November.

(i)A section of the internal memory is reserved for system data. The available storage space for saving data after excluding the area reserved for the system and built-in software is approximately 3GB in the Wii U Basic Pack and approximately 25 GB in the Wii U Premium Pack. With the Wii U Basic Pack, an additional storage device maybe required in order to download a game from Nintendo eShop (depending on the size of the game). The amount of available storage space can be expanded with external USB storage media. Wii U supports USB hard disk drives with a dedicated power source, called self-powered USB. Please keep an eye out on our Wii U Support website for the most up-to-date overview of compatible USB storage media devices.

(ii)In order to perform a System Update the Wii U console needs to be connected to the Internet. Due to the amount of new features and applications included, the System Update may take an extended amount of time when performed during the initial setup (for some users it could take an hour or more to download and install). During this time the Wii U console must not be turned off. Please visit our Wii U Support website for more details on the System Update process.

(iii)The length of time it takes to transfer content from a Wii console to a Wii U console varies depending on the volume of data being moved across. In some cases the transfer process can take up to an hour and a half. During the transfer process the Wii U console must not be turned off. Please visit our Wii U Support website for more details on the System Transfer process.

Note - In Europe retailers set their own prices by law so please check your local retailer website for price information.

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